Repatriation grant to be increased on 1 January 2026

The Government has taken a decision on a new ordinance that, among other measures, increases the amount of the repatriation grant. As of 1 January 2026, this grant will amount to SEK 350,000 per adult (18 years old or more) and SEK 25,000 per child. A maximum of SEK 500,000 will be introduced for couples (married or cohabitants) to a maximum of SEK 600,000 per household.

The Swedish Migration Agency examines applications for repatriation grants and works on behalf of the Government to increase the number of people who voluntarily return to their home countries. The Government has now taken a decision to increase the repatriation grant.

“The aim is to make it easier for those who want to start over in their home country or another country. This financial support gives people more control over their choice to move and helps to create greater security in their transition," says Director-General Maria Mindhammar.

What preparations are the Swedish Migration Agency making?

The new ordinance means that the Agency is stepping up its efforts to establish a well-functioning and legally secure process for applications for repatriation grants – both from the applicant point of view and in order to make sure correct payments are made.

The Swedish Migration Agency has also been tasked with carrying out information initiatives to reach the people who may apply for the repatriation grant. These information campaigns aim to increase knowledge about the opportunities for voluntary repatriation and the support that is available.

Who can receive a repatriation grant?

People who are resident in Sweden and have been granted a temporary or permanent residence permit before 12 September 2024 may apply for the repatriation grant. Their permit must have been issued on one of the following grounds:

  • as a refugee
  • as a quota refugee
  • as a person eligible for subsidiary protection
  • on the grounds of exceptionally distressing circumstances
  • if the person has been granted a permanent residence permit under the, now-repealed, Act on temporary limitations of the opportunity of obtaining a residence permit in Sweden (2016:752)
  • if the person has been granted a permanent residence permit on the basis of Section 5 of the, now-repealed, Act on residence permits for upper secondary students (2017:353)
  • as a family member of a person with a residence permit based on any of the above grounds. The family member must also
    – have been granted their own residence permit on the basis of their connection with the person
    – live together with the person
    – have been granted their residence permit since before 12 September 2024.

Who may not receive a repatriation grant?

Repatriation grants are not paid if the person

  • is a Swedish citizen
  • has a residence permit under the Temporary Protection Directive and comes from Ukraine
  • has unpaid debts with the Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN) or the Swedish Enforcement Authority
  • has previously received a repatriation grant
  • is moving to an EU/EEA country or to Switzerland
  • is serving a prison sentence, has been charged with a crime, is suspected of certain offences, or if there are reasons for not doing so with regard to Sweden's security or public safety.

About voluntary repatriation and repatriation grants

Voluntary repatriation means that a person who has a residence permit in Sweden for protection reasons chooses to move back to their home country or to another country where they have the right to live. Anyone wishing to move away from Sweden can choose to apply for a repatriation grant from the Swedish Migration Agency, who then assess whether the application should be granted. The grant is financial support aimed at helping people start a new life in the country they are moving to.

The Swedish Migration Agency now examines applications for repatriation grants under the Ordinance on grants to foreigners leaving Sweden to settle in another country (1984:890). This ordinance will be replaced by the new one that comes into force on 1 January 2026. The number of applications has historically been low and so far, very few applications have been granted:

  • In 2022, 22 applications for repatriation grants were received, of which 2 were granted.
  • In 2023, 71 applications for repatriation grants were received, of which 1 was granted.
  • In 2024, 68 applications for repatriation grants were received, of which 4 were granted.
  • In 2025, 109 applications were received, of which 1 has so far been granted.

The fact that only a few applications have been granted is due, among other things, to the fact that those who applied did not fulfil the requirements for receiving the grant and that the applications were not complete.

Read the Government's press release: Ett kraftigt höjt återvandringsbidrag (in Swedish) External link.

The Swedish Migration Agency is responsible for considering applications from people who want to live in Sweden, seek protection or become Swedish citizens. Our work is based on Swedish laws and international conventions, with a focus on legal certainty and effective reception and return.